Chapter 9: A Golden House to Hide the Lord

**Chapter 9: A Golden Cage for a Prince**

Over a week passed without Xie Lingyu seeing Xiao Yanxing again, though she received daily updates about his recovery. She knew his injuries were healing normally and that he had already resumed studying daily in preparation for the spring imperial examinations.

That day, after hearing Chun Xi’s report, Xie Lingyu paused in thought before rising to go to the annex—Xiao Yanxing’s temporary residence.

When she arrived at the door, the attendants outside bowed in unison, and she entered, immediately meeting the gaze of the man seated behind the desk.

Xiao Yanxing wore a plain, light-colored round-collared robe. Though his attire was simple, it lent him an ethereal grace, almost otherworldly.

"Greetings, Your Highness," he said with a respectful bow.

Xie Lingyu dismissed the formality and glanced at the book on his desk—*On Governance*, the second chapter of *The Analects*, part of the Four Books and Five Classics, clearly related to the civil service exams.

"How are you finding life in Shangyang Palace?" she suddenly asked.

Xiao Yanxing seemed slightly surprised by the question but smiled gently. "A place of such refined beauty—it is my fortune to reside here."

"After my father passed away, I inherited the title of Prince of Yongning, which caused a sensation throughout the realm."

Xie Lingyu tilted her head upward, gazing at a painting on the wall, speaking calmly.

Her offhand comment made Xiao Yanxing’s heart tighten slightly—he couldn’t understand why this young princess would bring up such matters.

She did not look at him as she continued, "Thus, to secure my title—or perhaps to reduce my presence at court—my mother deliberately consulted monks who claimed it was ill-omened for me to remain in Chang’an. She arranged for me to move to Shangyang Palace, to quiet public gossip."

This could be considered family history, yet Xie Lingyu spoke of it so casually.

Though puzzled as to why she would share this with him, Xiao Yanxing listened patiently.

"If you were me, how would you return to Chang’an?" Xie Lingyu finally turned her head toward him, her luminous almond eyes holding a hint of girlish candor, as if genuinely seeking his advice.

Xiao Yanxing lowered his gaze, appearing to consider carefully what answer to give.

Rather than simply seeking guidance, it felt more like a test.

After a pause, he lifted his eyes to meet hers. "Your Highness has held the princely title for many years now. The realm has long moved from shock to acceptance. Moreover, this was the Sage Emperor’s decree. As long as His Majesty does not change his mind, there is no need to concern yourself with others’ opinions.

"If Your Highness wishes to return to Chang’an, simply choose a day and make the journey quietly."

Xie Lingyu seemed thoroughly pleased with his answer, her face breaking into a beaming smile.

She looked at Xiao Yanxing and said, "As expected, we share the same view. That was exactly what I was thinking."

As her smile deepened, she added slowly,

"Then let's not wait—tomorrow, we leave for Chang’an together."

This time, Xiao Yanxing stood completely still—

whether stunned by the sudden trip or by the word "we," it was impossible to tell.

The dawn broke clear and bright, golden light bathing the hills and fields as Shangyang Palace welcomed a new day.

Xie Lingyu awoke early—perhaps because of her upcoming return to Chang’an.

*

Ever since her rebirth, she hadn’t seen those old faces yet—but she’d grown a little nostalgic.

Once she’d freshened up, she was about to have breakfast when she heard a ruckus outside.

“Who’s out there?” Xie Lingyu frowned.

Ever since she made an example of Xue Gui with that public caning, no one in her halls dared raise their voice like this.

A young maid hurried in and replied, “Your Highness, Nanny Hua is asking to see you.”

Nanny Hua?

It’d been so long, Xie Lingyu had nearly forgotten about her.

After being scared sick, she’d been diagnosed by the Medical Officer as still unwell and had been resting ever since.

“Isn’t Nanny Hua still ill? Why is she here?” Xie Lingyu said coolly.

But outside, Nanny Hua was too worked up to wait, shouting loudly, “Your Highness, this old woman begs to see you!”

Xie Lingyu initially wanted to shut her up and haul her off without another word, but the shouting continued.

Ting He, standing nearby, asked, “Your Highness, shall this servant gather some people to shut her up and haul her off?”

In the past, Ting He wouldn’t have dared to say such a thing—after all, Nanny Hua had been sent by the Dowager.

But now, everyone could see Xie Lingyu’s disdain for Nanny Hua.

“Let’s hear what she’s got to say,” Xie Lingyu said, rising and walking straight to the door.

Nanny Hua was kneeling in the corridor, about to shout again when she saw Xie Lingyu appear before her. Her voice abruptly cut off, like her throat had been squeezed shut.

“Your Highness, spare me! This old servant knows she’s broken decorum by shouting like this, but it was truly unavoidable,” Nanny Hua said, playing the perfect loyal servant.

Xie Lingyu, surprisingly patient, asked coolly, “What’s got you in such a state, Nanny?”

Nanny Hua was momentarily stumped by the question. She hesitated, but after much deliberation, she gritted her teeth and said, “Your Highness, are you going to Chang’an?”

Xie Lingyu looked at her calmly.

Encouraged by her composure, Nanny Hua spilled, “Your Highness, the Dowager drilled it into you not to return to Chang’an lightly. Yet now, without so much as a heads-up, you’re just going back like this?”

“If I had given notice, would I still be able to return to Chang’an now?”

She lowered her gaze and looked at Nanny Hua with wry scorn.

No doubt, before she could even pack her bags, letters from the palace would arrive one after another, blocking her way back.

Nanny Hua jerked her head up, stunned, as if she hadn’t expected such a response. She couldn’t understand why Xie Lingyu might as well be a stranger.

All this time, she had been stuck in her rooms, unable to get anywhere near the princess.

Because of the incident with Xue Gui, no one dared associate with her anymore.

Shangyang Palace, where she’d once had free rein, had become a prison—she was left high and dry, with no one to turn to.

Fortunately, she still had some connections. Last night, she had secretly learned that the princess had ordered several carriages prepared for a journey today. Initially, even the coachmen didn’t know the destination.

It wasn’t until just now that one of them had slipped her the news—they were heading to Chang’an.

Nanny Hua then recalled what her confidant left by His Highness’s side had told her—that Chun Xi and Ting He had been leading the maids in packing luggage these past days, claiming they were going to worship Buddha.

Yet now, the destination was clearly Chang’an.

The thought that His Highness was secretly returning to Chang’an without revealing a single word to her hit her like a thunderbolt.

Was she being left behind in Shangyang Palace for good?

Nanny Hua was now truly panicked, so much so that she charged in here in a panic without even considering how to respond.

Xie Lingyu glanced at Ting He beside her, and the young maid, sharp as ever, immediately snapped, “How dare you snoop on His Highness’s plans, Nanny Hua!”

Ting He’s harsh rebuke was like a bucket of ice water dumped on Nanny Hua.

Before she could beg for mercy, she heard His Highness speak again from above.

“Bring me He Lanfang. I want to see who dares leak my whereabouts so casually,” Xie Lingyu said coldly.

Nanny Hua’s heart sank completely.

When He Lanfang arrived, Xie Lingyu wasted no time and ordered him directly to find the leak.

Even if they didn’t leave for Chang’an today, she was determined to uncover the source of the leak.

A tiny leak can sink a great ship—she had suffered greatly from such carelessness in her past life, not keeping her own people in check, allowing incriminating letters to be planted in her study without her knowledge.

It had cost her everything.

Thus, Xie Lingyu refused to repeat the same mistakes. She would make sure her inner circle was tight as a drum before she could feel secure.

Meanwhile, in Xiao Yanxing’s courtyard, his attendant Qing Feng returned from outside, puzzled. “Weren’t we supposed to leave at dawn?”

Xiao Yanxing had finished breakfast and was still reading.

Qing Feng approached. “My lord, I noticed many guards rushing about outside, and some even looked like they’d been beaten. Has something happened?”

Hearing this, Xiao Yanxing slowly lifted his gaze from the book, his cold eyes settling on Qing Feng, his voice frosty. “Did you forget what I told you?”

Seeing his expression, Qing Feng quickly explained, “How could I forget your orders? I just happened to see it.”

Previously, Qing Feng had been injured and bedridden for a long time before he could walk again.

Even now, his wounds hadn’t fully healed.

“This is Shangyang Palace. We need to watch our step,” Qing Feng remembered those words well. Yet he added, “Though I never expected that the one who saved us that day was Prince Yongning himself.”

Perhaps because Xie Lingyu was such a legend, Qing Feng was intensely curious.

Unfortunately, since he had recovered enough to walk, he still hadn’t met the Prince.

“Is everything packed?” Xiao Yanxing asked, clearly uninterested in discussing palace affairs.

“I went out to get the guards to load the carriage,” Qing Feng hesitated before adding, “My lord, whoever’s behind this sent assassins after us outside Chang’an. If they find out we’ve entered the city, I’m afraid they’ll come after us again.”

Xiao Yanxing continued reading without lifting his head. “Come after us? Let’s see if they’re bold enough to try killing me in the Prince’s own home.”

Qing Feng was stunned. “My lord, you plan to stay at the Prince’s residence?”

Now he got why his master was so calm, utterly unafraid of further attacks.

Prince Yongning's residence is a princely mansion, with deep courtyards and heavily guarded defenses. Even a sparrow flying in would likely be inspected to determine its origin, making it naturally the safest place to stay.

"That's perfect," Qing Feng said with relief, but then his expression turned puzzled. "Why is Her Highness Prince Yongning being so kind to you, my lord?"

Qing Feng cast a suspicious glance at Xiao Yanxing, his gaze lingering on his lord's flawless, handsome face. A flicker of panic and dawning realization passed through his eyes.

This prince not only rescued his lord and ensured the best medical treatment, even using the finest medicines—could it be that she truly has feelings for my lord?

And now, she’s even bringing them back to her own residence...

After thinking carefully, Qing Feng couldn't help but warn cautiously, "My lord, although we may find temporary refuge under Prince Yongning's protection, what if Her Highness refuses to let you go? What will you do then?"

Xiao Yanxing lifted his head slightly, his brows lightly furrowed. "Why wouldn’t she let me go?"

Qing Feng knew his lord had no interest in romantic matters and had completely missed his implication.

After hesitating for quite some time, he finally muttered, "I don’t dare say."

Xiao Yanxing gave him a sharp look but did not press further.

Qing Feng knew his lord was by nature composed, but he hadn't expected him to avoid asking even about this. Still, perhaps it was better—he truly didn't dare voice his suspicions aloud.

What he feared most was that if Princess Yongning truly admired her lord’s appearance, she might just confine him like a precious treasure.